Specimen container system

Abstract

A specimen container system and methods of use are described herein for capturing, storing and accessing fluids for lab testing. A cup is removably secured to a cap assembly. The cap assembly is comprised of cover and a lid which are connected by a hinge assembly having a biasing member for maintain the lid in an open position. An aperture in the cap has two sections that in combination with the lid decreases the contamination risk compared to prior art container system.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62 / 477,440 filed Mar. 28, 2017 by the present inventor, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED R&D[0002]Not related to this application.TECHNICAL FIELD[0003]This invention relates to specimen collection containers, and more particularly to containers that minimizing potential contaminations in the collection, transporting and testing of urine.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]Specimen containers are well established and mature in the art of laboratory testing. Generally, specimen containers are used to hold and transport liquids, such as blood or urine, for testing.[0005]Liquid specimen containers are typically made of plastic or glass and have a screw type cap. The cap or lid is removed by the patient or lab practitioner, and the open container is used for collecting a liquid for testing. With the correct amount ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed at the collection, transport and testing of urine. Although urine is used to describe the best mode of the present invention, it should not be construed to be limited to such. Urine testing is used as an example fluid that is susceptible to environmental contamination which can yield unreliable test results. An unreliable test result often results in a retest which increases cost and risk to patient health. The present invention reduces the risk of contamination of urine with very little disruption to common test procedures and methods.

[0018]An object of the present invention is to create a specimen container that reduces the risk of test fluid contamination by allowing the fluid to be either poured, or withdrawn using an instrument, from an aperture of a cover that substantially covers the top of a cup. The aperture is comprised of a pour section and an access section, with each being optimally sized and shaped for their respective use. The aperture has a fluid tight flip lid that seals the fluid within the container system. One or more optional label configurations may contact a combination of the cover, lid, and cap.

[0020]An object of the present invention is to create a specimen container that reduces the risk of contamination of the fluid by the outside environment.

[0021]An object of the present invention is to create a specimen container that reduces the risk of spillage during fluid testing.

[0023]An object of the present invention is to create a specimen container that reduces the risk of repetitive motion injuries to test technicians.

[0024]Yet another object of the present invention is to create a specimen container that reduces the risk of a test technician becoming infected by a test fluid.

Problems solved by technology

Urine testing is used as an example fluid that is susceptible to environmental contamination which can yield unreliable test results.

An unreliable test result often results in a retest which increases cost and risk to patient health.

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